Murray Throws First Touchdown in Chiefs Loss to Panthers

(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) For the second straight game, Travis Kelce showed off the speed the Chiefs were hoping for when they drafted him.

The tight end split the secondary to take Aaron Murray's pass 43 yards to the end zone in the third quarter, proving to be the only score for the Chiefs in a 28-16 preseason loss to the Panthers.

It was the first touchdown pass as a Chief for Murray, who played the bulk of the second half after only seeing two series in the preseason opener. He completed five of nine passes for 81 yards and an interception.

Ryan Succop and Cairo Santo continued their battle at kicker, as the 6th-year veteran connected on field goals from 54 and 25 yards. Santo booted on from 44 yards out to put Kansas City up 6-0 to start the second quarter.

Jonathan Stewart gave the Panthers a 14-6 halftime lead with two short-yardage touchdown runs.

In the absence of Jamaal Charles, who did not make the trip to Carolina due to a bruised foot, Knile Davis carried nine times for 30 yards while also hauling in a 15-yard reception. Cyrus Gray led the rushing efforts for the second straight game with 44 yards on 10 carries.

Alex Smith threw for 127 yards while completing 14 of 22 passes. Dwayne Bowe caught a team-high five for 62 yards after learning he will suspended for the team's first regular season game for violating the league's drug policy.

Offseason linebacker addition Joe Mays recorded a sack in his second straight game, while Husain Abdullah and Chris Owens also got to the quarterback. Dee Ford and Vance Walker picked up half a sack each.

The Chiefs will resume the preseason in Kansas City this week after breaking camp in St. Joseph last Thursday.

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